The Prince’s Countryside Fund has announced £7,469 funding to a new collaborative initiative - the Cumbria Farm Flood Action Group. This group will assess the nature and scale of damage to farms and on farm diversified businesses following the floods earlier this month.
The Cumbria Farm Flood Action Group is formed of the Farming Community Network, The Farmer Network, RABI, Cumbria Commoners, NFU, Foundation for Common Land, Forage Aid, Cumbria Agricultural Chaplaincy, Addington Fund, Westmorland Agricultural Society and Mitchells Auction.
Learning lessons from Somerset and previous Cumbria floods the Cumbria Farm Flood Action Group will collect data from all the farm businesses affected to assess the scale and nature of the flooding on farms and also make available help to farmers.
Adam Day, Managing Director, The Farmer Network says, “Cumbria has suffered floods before but this year the scale of devastation on farm is beyond that seen before both due to the level of damage and its spread across the whole county. We are here to help the individuals and businesses affected and want to reach out to everyone as quickly as possible. Data collection may be perceived as a cold and impersonal activity in situations of tragedy but it is essential to inform the work to rebuild our farming businesses and our rural communities.”
Claire Saunders, Director, The Prince’s Countryside Fund says, “This is one practical way that we can help businesses get back on their feet following the terrible flooding. It is good news that George Eustice MP confirmed today that 600 flood affected farmers will see their BPS payment prioritised where they have not already been paid but the recovery will be lengthy for many and getting the right practical, emotional and financial advice must be a priority.”
Farmers in Cumbria are being encouraged to call The Farmer Network on telephone 01768 868615 who are taking responsibility for co-ordinating the Group but all farmers will be contacted by the team of staff and volunteers in the coming weeks. The same survey is also available online, hosted by the NFU which can be accessed here http://www.nfuonline.com/news/latest-news/2015-floods-damage-survey/
An appeal has been launched by The Prince’s Countryside Fund to help the farmers, rural businesses and communities affected following the release of £40,000 of funding to the Farming Help charities and Cumbria Community Foundation last week. The public is encouraged to donate online at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/2015FloodAppeal, at the Post Office or to donate £3 by texting PCF to 70300.
